MIAMI – The FIU men's soccer program returns home following a three-game road trip Wednesday night taking on #10 UCF Knights at 7 p.m. for an in-state showdown.
Wednesday, Sept. 11 vs #10 UCF
- Time / Site: 7 p.m. ET at Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium
- ESPN+
- Live Stats
- Presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics
FIU comes back to Miami after going 0-2-1 during their road stretch, with the most recent result being a hard-fought scoreless draw against #16 Georgetown in Washington, D.C., on September 2.
The Panthers earned their first draw of the season thanks to a stellar performance from goalkeeper
Nigel Van Haveren, who recorded nine saves. His efforts earned him AAC Goalkeeper of the Week honors.
Van Haveren has been a standout for FIU throughout the season, tallying 29 saves in four games with a goals-against average (GAA) of 1.25. His 29 saves lead the American Athletic Conference and rank third nationally.
Senior forward Bernardo Dos Santos leads FIU offensively with eight shots, including three on goal, ranking fifth in the AAC. Senior
Michael Appiah has netted the team's only goal of the season and has registered two shots on goal so far.
Freshman defender
David Houja has been a vital part of the backline, playing every minute of the first four matches. Midfielder
Nicolas Villalobos has also contributed significantly, starting in all four games and amassing 332 minutes on the pitch.
Wednesday's contest marks the 47th meeting between FIU and UCF, with FIU holding a 30-16 advantage in the all-time series. Last year's match in Orlando ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw after FIU rallied from a 2-0 deficit, scoring twice in the final minutes to secure the tie.
WE'RE INTERNATIONAL, SO INTERNATIONAL!
FIU's roster embodies its international identity, featuring players from 11 different countries.
The USA leads with seven players, followed by Mexico with six, and France with four. Israel and Portugal are also represented, each with two players.
NEW FACES ON THE PITCH
FIU's 2024 squad features 13 newcomers, injecting fresh talent and energy into the team.
Sophomore goalkeeper
Nigel Van Haveren is expected to be a key figure for the Panthers in goal. Pittsburgh transfer
Mathys Lefebvre brings a wealth of experience to the midfield, while Israeli
David Houja has quickly established himself as a crucial part of the backline.
Both players have played the full 90 minutes in each of the first three games. NJIT transfer
Enrique Mutsoli has also shown promise on the offensive front.
SCOUTING THE KNIGHTS
The #10 Knights arrive in Miami with a 2-0-2 record, fresh off a commanding 5-1 victory over UC Irvine on September 6, where they scored four goals in the second half.
UCF has had a strong start to the season, drawing against ranked opponents Seattle and Wake Forest.
Offensively, forward Clarence Awoudor leads the team with two goals, totaling for seven points through four games. Alongside Awoudor, forward Emmanuel Bam has netted two goals, having played in 312 minutes.
Defensively, Anderson Rosa, named the Preseason Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year, continues to anchor the backline. Rosa has started in all four matches, having played all 90 minutes in each performance with two assists.
In goal, keeper Shane Wright has started the last two matches with five saves and two goals allowed in the past two contests.
UP NEXT
FIU begins a three-game road trip as they head to Conway, Arkansas for a Sunday night battle at Central Arkansas on Sept. 15 at 8 p.m.. It will be streamed live on ESPN+.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Instagram (@FIUMSoccer), Twitter (@FIUMensSoccer), and Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUMensSoccer) for all the latest Men's Soccer news.
